The 10 Most Super Superfoods: Part 2 of a 10 Part Series

Need a quick and easy recipe for Easter that’ll also satisfy that craving for something sweet? Try this one using one of my favorite superfoods, Maca.

Dark Chocolate Chip No-Bake Maca Truffle Bites

1/4 c shredded coconut

1/3 c almond flour

2 T cocoa powder

3 T Maca powder

2 T palm sugar or dark brown sugar

Pinch sea salt

2 T almond butter

1/2 t vanilla extract

1/2 t coconut extract

3/4 Medjool dates, pits removed (about 6 large)

1 3/4 oz dark chocolate, chopped into small chunks (the darker the better)

2 T cocoa nibs

1/4 T water

Heat small frying pan over low heat and add the coconut, stirring constantly (about 1 minute). Toast lightly until coconut is amber in color. Coconut can burn very easily so make sure you pay attention to this step.

Place Medjool dates in a blender along with 1/4 c and blend on low setting gradually increasing until dates have been made into a paste. Add the toasted coconut, almond flour, cocoa powder, Maca, palm sugar and sea salt and keep blending on low. Then add the almond butter, vanilla and coconut extract until a dough has formed.

Stop the machine and check the consistency. The dough should stick together easily between two fingers when pinched. You may need to add water if the dough is too dry, but only dd 1/4 t at a time. If too wet, add additional almond flour. again in small amounts.

Transfer to a bowl and mix in the dark chocolate chunks and cocoa nibs. Using clean hands, grab about a T at a time and roll together to form a tight ball.

Keep cool in fridge until ready to serve. (I like to freeze mine in parchment paper and save for a healthy after dinner bite). Makes about 1 1/2 dozen and only takes about 15 minutes to prepare.

A bit more about Maca:

Maca is a root vegetable that’s native to the high Andes. It’s rich in vitamin B vitamins, C, and E. It also provides a good source of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids. Maca is a very powerful adaptogen, which is the main reason I consume this superfood on a regular basis, especially during heavy training and racing periods. Adaptogens help to diminish the affects of stress by aiding in the regeneration of the adrenal glands and tired muscle tissue. This in turn helps me to recover more quickly so I’m able to do more high quality workouts. It also helps to improve the quality of sleep by lowering cortisol levels. Another reason I consume maca is for its natural energy boosting abilities by nourishing the body, not adding stimulation. I can actually feel it working.

It also promotes sexual function of both men and women, helps to balance mood and hormones, improves overall health by keeping the immune system strong and improves skin quality. With a nutty flavor, you can add it to just about anything. I particularly love it in my smoothies, but it’s also fun to try in just about any recipe or even tea. I would strongly recommend however, to only use it in raw recipes where no heat is required as the heat will destroy it’s nutritional properties. As always, buy organic and look for Maca that is gelatinized to help make it easy to digest.